[googley]

I'm so angry. So here it is: A little over two months ago I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Basics are I can't eat wheat, rye, barley or oats (ever again). It is down to crumbs being able to make me sick. It means that I have to make most of my own food, and can't eat foods that are provided at campus events and department events. If I want food that has any taste or is even partially prepared by someone else (ie not plain meats, vegetables, fruits etc) it costs close to three times as much.

Now what makes me really mad is that food is often provided at university events but I can't eat it. I can't seem to get anything that is close to a whole meal when they provide food. For example my department had an introduction session and they provided lunch (pizza). The only thing I could eat was salad that included lettuce and tomattos. Even after talking to them about my issues. I couldn't eat anything tonight. While I can bring my own food to these events (if I know they are providing food) I still have to pay for everyone else to be able to eat, when I'm not sure where the money I am going to be able too get the food that I need. They don't seem to be willing to help me at all.

While I shouldn't be angry at the other students, I am angry that they get to eat free food that I help pay for without my being able to eat it. And financial aid wont help me. (Even though my shopping trips have more than trippled in cost). I stopped by the dissability table at the resource fair and they were like, what? food? We do learning dissabilities and extra time on tests. What about my stomach? It deserves attention too.

Please don't just tell me that I need to suck it up and bring my own food. I know that it is an option, but I am really angry right now and don't need to hear that. I know it is what I am probably going to have to do, but I just need to rant.

[anna342]

I'm sorry to hear of your struggle with this.

After much trying out with different diets I've now come to the conclusion that the only way I can be pain and a few other not nice things free is to follow a gluten and dairy free diet. The Drs say I'm intolerant, so I know it's not quite like being allergic. It sucks, and is difficult to follow especially if like you said when eating out. I don't always follow it, and can get away with it taking various pills. The only thing I tend to find if I'm on it is chips, and I have to make sure they've not used any additives to make them. The other option would be a plain baked potato, which I guess you could add butter to? I know that's not very exciting though, and doesn't solve the problem.

The more and more you get used to being creative with food and finding things you like, the more likely you'll be able to cut costs. I rarely use the gluten/dairy free specialist products, which does cut costs too. But if you want to use them, you may be able to buy in bulk online or just online for cheaper. Also, try new things, like different pulses and vegetables you've not tried before and look online for recipes, these foods are quite cheap and good for you.

I hope something in that has been of help!

[Crew]

Googley...

(((Googley))) first off and yes, you have every right to be angry! If the costs of food is high then maybe you could possibly apply for (food stamps) and I get them because I too can't eat but certain foods and those foods cost more because they are less bought. And stores hike up the prices because it's considered special.

As far as sucking it up be proud your able to post and ask for help or opinions and hey where there's a will their is always a way. Finding it sometimes is the hard part but worth it in the end!

Yes I do realize this isn't full of information but it is FULL OF SUPPORT FOR Y-O-U!!!! ThaCrew

[googley]

Thanks. It looks like I will be able to be eligible for food stamps as long as they don't care that I moved to their state only for school. It appears as a student I may not need to work, but will be anyway to try and pay rent. We'll see how the application process goes.

Anna, Thanks for the advice. i've never been a great chef and now I can't cook hardly anything I knew how to cook before. (UGH).

Originally Posted by ThaCrew

Googley...

(((Googley))) first off and yes, you have every right to be angry! If the costs of food is high then maybe you could possibly apply for (food stamps) and I get them because I too can't eat but certain foods and those foods cost more because they are less bought. And stores hike up the prices because it's considered special.

As far as sucking it up be proud your able to post and ask for help or opinions and hey where there's a will their is always a way. Finding it sometimes is the hard part but worth it in the end!

Yes I do realize this isn't full of information but it is FULL OF SUPPORT FOR Y-O-U!!!! ThaCrew

[billieJ]

I guess even "Potato bread" has some wheat and things you are allergic to. I'm so sorry. You can substitute baked potatos at home [I think]. I empathize with any cooking deficit. I finally had to learn one time when I was on a very strict diet for systemic candida [from too many antibiotics], but I have forgotten all that. I well remember that time period, sitting in a restaurant and angrily chewing on raw carrots. Well, fruits and vegies are the healthiest fare, anyway, if you can eat those. Are there any limitations are salad dressings? I guess you have to read ingredients. I love a good oil and vinegar, and it cuts my craving for sugar. I do support you in your struggle. I would try calling ahead in the case of events and asking if they could waive at least part of the dinner fee, so you could bring your own food? billieJ